Water Supply Assessment for a Distillery: Scotland

Distillery Water Supply Assessment

In 2022, a distillery in Scotland asked Flow-5 to complete an assessment of their existing water supply system and an appraisal of future water supply options for their operations. The distillery wants to ensure they have a robust, resilient, and sustainable water supply for the long term.

Works Completed

First, Flow-5 built up an initial conceptual understanding of the groundwater and surface water system in the area of interest. This assessment was built up from available data sets (including good quality water level, pumping rate and water quality data from the existing supply system provided by the client).

A site investigation was then completed in early 2023, gathering a range of data from:  trial pits, piezometer installation, slug tests, stream and spring flow measurements and water quality sampling.

The information collected filled key gaps and uncertainties in the initial conceptual model, allowing a robust understanding of groundwater flow and storage in the area to be presented.

Recommendations

This refined conceptual understanding was used to complete 1) an assessment of performance of the existing water supply system in the context of the groundwater system and 2) provide an options appraisal for the replacement or rehabilitation of the water supply system, including how best to manage potential future CAR (abstraction) licence requirements.

Key parameters are now being monitored at the site (groundwater levels, spring flows, water quality) helping to further refine the understanding of the groundwater system. 

Outcomes

Flow-5’s assessment provided the client with a clear understanding of the performance and sustainability of their existing system and provided detailed information on the available options going forward. From this the client was able to make informed, evidence-based decisions to best achieve their long-term water supply needs.

Want to know more about private water supplies and groundwater resource assessments, contact Flow-5 here.